Summary: The state of Arkansas offers special benefits for its military Service members and Veterans including property tax exemptions, state employment preferences, education and tuition assistance, vehicle tags, as well as hunting and fishing license privileges. Eligibility for some benefits may depend on residency, military component and Veteran disability status.

State Benefit Highlights and Eligibility

State Taxes:

State Tax Advantage: Provides an exemption for members of the Armed Forces of the first $9,000.00 of service pay or allowances. Retired members are entitled to a $6,000 exemption. (AR Code 26-51-306 et. seq. and AR Code 26-51-307 et. seq.) Eligibility: Members of the Armed Forces to include Reserve and National Guard components or for retired members who are residents of the State of Arkansas.

Homestead and Personal Property Tax Exemption: Disabled Veterans shall be exempt from payment of all state taxes on the homestead and personal property owned by the disabled Veteran.Eligibility: Arkansas Veterans who have been rated, by the VA, as 100% service connected (Permanent and Total) or awarded Special Monthly Compensation for loss or loss of use of one or more limbs total blindness in one or both eyes. Widows or Widowers, so long as they do not remarry, dependent Children, during their minority, are also eligible for this entitlement if the Veteran was killed or died in the scope of his military duties, is missing in action, or died from service connected causes as certified by the Veterans Administration. (AR Code 26-3-306 et. seq.) if subsequent marriage is terminated, surviving Spouse may be reinstated. In all cases, annual re-certification of continued entitlement by the VA is required.

Gross Receipt of Tax Exemption: Gross receipts and gross proceeds derived from the sale of motor vehicles and adaptive equipment to disabled Veterans who have purchased the vehicles or adaptive equipment with the financial assistance of the Department of Veterans Affairs as provided under 38 U.S.C. 1901-1905. (AR Code 26-52-401(6)-et. seq.) Gross receipts or proceeds derived from the sale of new automobiles to a Veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter from the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. This exemption defines "automobile" as a passenger vehicle or pickup truck but does not include trucks with a maximum gross load in excess of three-quarter (3/4) ton and does not include any trailer. (AR Code 26-52-415 et. seq.) Eligibility: A Veteran who is blind as a result of a service-connected injury. Registration will require an entitlement letter from the VA and will be limited to one new vehicle every two (2) years. (AR Code 26-52-415 et.seq)

Military Disability Retired Pay: Retirees who entered the military before September 24, 1975, and members receiving disability retirements based on combat injuries or who could receive disability payments from the VA are covered by laws giving disability broad exemption from federal income tax. Most military retired pay based on service-related disabilities also is free from federal income tax, but there is no guarantee of total protection.

Military Dependents Scholarship Program (MDS): The Arkansas Department of Education has the authority to provide free tuition and fees at any state supported college, university, technical school, or vocational school. (AR Code 6-82-601 et. seq.) Eligibility: The Spouse and dependent Children of any Arkansan who has been declared to be Prisoner of War, killed in action, placed in a missing-in-action status since January 1, 1960, killed on an ordnance delivery, or a Veteran who has been declared to be 100% totally and permanently disabled during, or as a result of, active military service.

Diplomas for Veterans: High School Diplomas can be obtained for WWII Veterans as well as Korean and Vietnam Veterans who were called up for active duty service before finishing high school. Qualifying Veterans should contact their school superintendent or the Arkansas Department of Education.

Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children: It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on Children of military Families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:

Facilitating the timely enrollment of Children of military Families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements.

Facilitating the student placement process through which Children of military Families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content or assessment.

Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic and social activities.

Facilitating the on-time graduation of Children of military Families.

Providing for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact.

Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military Families under this compact.

Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military Children.

Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.

Employment Assistance: State employees have 15 days of paid military leave per year for annual training requirements or other duties performed in an official duty status; Personnel called to duty in emergency situations by the Governor or the President shall be granted leave with pay not to exceed thirty (30) working days after which leave without pay will be granted . (AR Code 21-4-212)Eligibility: Arkansas National Guard or Reserve member

Veteran Employment Preference: Gives eligible Veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Veterans' preference applies, to virtually all new appointments in both the competitive and excepted service. Veterans' preference does not guarantee Veterans a job and it does not apply to internal agency actions such as promotions, transfers, reassignments, and reinstatements.

You are a 5 point preference eligible if your active duty service meets any of the following:

180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001 and ending on a future date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law as the last date of Operation Iraqi Freedom, OR

Between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992, OR

180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976.

In a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955.

You are a 10 point preference eligible if you served at any time, and you:

Have a service connected disability, OR

Received a Purple Heart.

Eligibility: Only Veterans discharged or released from active duty in the armed forces under honorable conditions are eligible for Veterans' preference. This means you must have been discharged under an honorable or general discharge. If you are a "retired member of the armed forces" you are not included in the definition of preference eligible unless you are a disabled Veteran OR you retired below the rank of major or its equivalent.

Employment Counseling and Referral Services: The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services provides employment counseling and referral services tailored to the special needs of Veterans. They also maintain an ongoing program of job development designed to create jobs and preferences for all Veterans, through the Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER's) and the Disabled Veterans Outreach program (DVOP).Eligibility: Veterans

Unemployment Insurance: The Unemployment Services division provides financial assistance and employment services to jobless workers. Unem­ployment insurance is temporary income to help workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Click here to review the Unemployment Insurance Handbook.

You can file your Unemployment claims online at EZARC (Easy Arkansas Claims) or at your local Workforce Services office. You will be asked to provide basic information about yourself such as:

Medal of Honor Plate: Issued to Medal of Honor Recipients. The surviving Spouse of a deceased recipient of the Medal of Honor is entitled to the plate at the regular registration fee for the vehicle.. Requires a certification letter from the Arkansas State Department of Veterans Affairs of having been awarded the Medal of Honor. Initial plate is free and an additional plate is $3.75. One (1) plate may be reissued to surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee.

Distinguished Flying Cross Plate: Certification by the U.S. Department of Defense of the award of the "Distinguished Flying Cross". Surviving Spouses who are not joint owners of the vehicle must present a marriage license and death certificate. Each Veteran is limited to only one Distinguished Flying Cross plate.Eligibility: Issued to an Arkansas resident who has been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or a resident who is the surviving Spouse of a Distinguished Flying Cross Medal recipient. Initial plate is $3.75.Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees. One (1) plate may be reissued to surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee.

Purple Heart - Combat Wounded (PH) Plate: Issued to an Arkansas resident who has been awarded the Purple Heart Medal while serving in the U.S. Armed forces, or a resident who is the unmarried surviving Spouse of a Purple Heart recipient. Requires certification by the U.S. Department of Defense of the award of the "Purple Heart". Surviving Spouses who are not joint owners of the vehicle must present a marriage license and death certificate. . Initial plate is free and additional plates are $3.75. One (1) plate may be reissued to surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee.

Purple Heart Motorcycle Plate: Issued to an Arkansas resident who has been awarded the Purple Heart medal while serving in the U.S. Armed forces, or a resident who is the unmarried surviving Spouse of a Purple Heart recipient. Requires certification by the U.S. Department of Defense of the award of the "Purple Heart". Unmarried surviving Spouses who are not joint owners of the vehicle must present a marriage license and death certificate. Fee is dependent on weight of motorcycle.

Ex-Prisoner of War (POW) Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who was a prisoner of war while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces or surviving Spouse. Requires certification of the applicant's former P.O.W. status from the U.S. Department of Defense. A surviving Spouse, who is not already joint owner of the vehicle, must present a copy of the death certificate of the deceased prisoner of war reflected on the registration of the POW license plate. An eligible Veteran is limited to two (2) Ex-POW plates at no charge. One (1) plate issued to the eligible Veteran may be reissued to his or her surviving Spouse at the regular registration.

Disabled Veteran (DAV) Plate: Disabled Veterans may qualify for these plates under Act 7 of 1949, or Act 30 of 1979 as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The surviving Spouse of a disabled Veteran may also be issued a disabled Veteran license plate. Requires a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the disabled Veteran's eligibility under Act 7 of 1949 or Act 30 of 1979. A surviving Spouse, who is not already joint owner of the vehicle, must also present a marriage license and the death certificate of the disabled Veteran. Initial plate is free with an additional plate fee of $3.75. One (1) plate may be reissued to surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee.

Disabled Veteran (DV) Plate: Disabled Veterans may qualify for these plates under Act 36 of 1969 as certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The surviving Spouse of a disabled Veteran may also be issued a disabled Veteran license plate. Eligibility: Requires a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying the disabled Veteran's eligibility under Act 36 of 1969. A surviving Spouse, who is not already joint owner of the vehicle, must also present a marriage license and the death certificate of the disabled Veteran. Initial fee is $3.75. An eligible Veteran may receive one (1) additional plate at the fee of $3.75. One (1) plate issued to the eligible Veteran may be reissued to his or her surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee for the vehicle.

World War II Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of World War II (7 Dec 1941 to 2 Mar 1946). Requires a copy of form # DD214 reflecting service during World War II. Initial plate is $3.75. Each Veteran is limited to only one plate. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Pearl Harbor Survivors (PHS) Plate: Specialty license plate for US Armed Forces survivors of the attack at Pearl Harbor, HI. Issued to Arkansas residents who were a member of the US Armed Forces on December 7, 1941, during the hours of 7:55 am to 9:45 am Hawaii Time at Pearl Harbor, the Island of Oahu, or offshore at a distance not to exceed three (3) miles. Eligibility: Requires verification of eligibility form signed by the Arkansas State Chairman of the Pearl Harbor Survivor Association. One (1) plate issued to the eligible Veteran may be reissued to his or her surviving Spouse at the regular registration fee for the vehicle. Initial plate is free with an additional plate fee of $3.75.

Korean War Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of the Korean War (7 Jun 1950 to 27 Jul 1954). Requires a copy of form # DD214 reflecting service during Korean War. Initial plate is $3.75. Each Veteran is limited to only one plate at the $3.75 fee. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Vietnam War Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of the Vietnam War (5 Aug 1964 to 7 May 1975) (in country - 28 Feb 1961 to 5 Aug 1964). Requires a copy of form # DD214 reflecting service during the Vietnam War. Initial plate is $3.75. Each Veteran is limited to only one plate at the $3.75 fee. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Cold War Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of the Cold War. Requires a copy of form # DD214 reflecting service during the period of 2 Sep 1945 through 26 Dec 1991. Registration fee and titles vary depending on vehicle type and class.

Persian Gulf War Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of the Persian Gulf War (2 Aug1990 to Nov 30 1995). Requires a copy of form # DD214 reflecting service during Persian Gulf War. Initial plate is $3.75. Each Veteran is limited to only one plate at the $3.75 fee. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom. Requires a copy of form DD214 reflecting service during Operation Enduring Freedom. Initial plate is $3.75. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Requires a copy of form DD214 reflecting service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Initial plate is $3.75. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

U.S. Armed Forces Reserve Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is an active member in the Reserve of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force. Eligibility: Must be Arkansas resident, active in the Reserve of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps or Air Force. Requires an affidavit from the commanding officer of the reserve unit certifying membership of the applicant's active status. Initial plate is $3.75. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

U.S. Armed Forces Retired Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a retired member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard. Eligibility: Must be Arkansas resident who is a retired member of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard. Requires a copy of the retirement orders from one of the above services. Each member is limited to only one (1) Armed Forces Retired License Plate at the $3.75 fee. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regulalr registration fees.

Gold Star Family Plate: Issued to Spouse or parent of a member of the armed forces of the United States, killed in a conflict recognized by the United States Department of Defense, and who has received a Gold Star Lapel Button issued by the United States Department of Defense. There is no charge for plate. No more than one (1) Gold Star Family license plate will be issued to an eligible applicant.

Merchant Marine Retired Plate: Issued to any Arkansas resident who is a retired Veteran of the United States Merchant Marine and served during the period of 1 Oct 1940 through 31 Dec 1945. Eligibility: A copy of release form #DD214 reflecting service in the United States Merchant Marine serving during the period of 1 Oct 1940 through 31 Dec 1945. Initial plate is $3.75. Eligible applicant may receive one (1) additional plate at regular registration fees.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses: The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission provides discounted hunting and fishing licenses to Arkansas Veterans who are 100% totally and permanently disabled or military Retirees over the age of 60.

Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Fishing License ($1.50): Entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled persons privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A Resident Trout Permit must also be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Holders of this license, along with another licensed individual to assist, may fish at Family Fishing locations. Veterans must be 100% totally and permanently disabled with certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from the AGFC Little Rock office and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime License Application

Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Hunting License ($1.50): Entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled Veterans the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License. Annual Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps also are required. Veterans must be 100% totally and permanently disabled with certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from the AGFC Little Rock office and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime License Application

Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime Combination License ($3.00): Entitles all 100% totally and permanently disabled Veterans the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are also required. A trout permit must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Veterans must be 100% totally and permanently disabled with certification from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from the AGFC Little Rock office and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6388 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Disabled Military Veteran Lifetime License Application

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Fishing License ($10.50): Entitles military Retirees the privileges of the Resident Fisheries Conservation License. A Resident Trout Permit also must be purchased to retain trout or to fish in certain waters. Military Retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (Military ID Card). Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from all AGFC Regional Offices and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6300 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Military Retiree Lifetime License Application

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Hunting License ($25.00): Entitles military Retirees the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License. Annual Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps also are required. Military Retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (Military ID Card). Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from all AGFC Regional Offices and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6300 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Military Retiree Lifetime License Application

Resident Military Retiree Lifetime Combination License ($32.50): Entitles military Retirees the privileges of the Resident Sportsman's License (hunting) and the Resident Fisheries Conservation License (fishing). Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration is required to hunt migratory game birds. To hunt waterfowl, state and federal waterfowl stamps are also required. A trout permit must be purchased to fish in certain waters. Military Retirees must be 60 years of age or older and provide proof of military retirement (Military ID Card). Proof of 60 days Arkansas residency is required. This license is available from all AGFC Regional Offices and by mail. Call (800) 364-4263 or (501) 223-6300 in the Little Rock area, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, for details. Arkansas Game & Fish Commission Resident Military Retiree Lifetime License Application

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism: TheArkansas Department of Parks and Tourism provides Arkansas resident Veterans, who have a permanent service connected 100% disability rate, the ability to camp for half price in Arkansas State Parks. Eligibility: Proof of 100% status is required. For Veterans, this should be a copy of the Awards letter (dated within the last two years) from the Veterans Administration Regional Office or an Arkansas license plate with the letters DV. The discount offered to senior citizens and disabled citizens does not apply to winter rates or Rent-A-Camp options.

Fayetteville Veterans Home: This licensed Medicaid/Medicare 108 bed skilled care nursing facility, provides a comfortable and supportive atmosphere for Veterans. Operated under the direction of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs and approved and recognized by the Federal Veterans Administration as a qualified state Veterans Home. The services provided are:

Hospice care

Respite care

Medical Director available

RN, LPN, CNA skilled care around the clock

Physical, occupational and speech therapy

Daily activities coordinated by a Certified Activities Director

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker

An Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits Officer who assists all Veterans with VA Benefits

Transportation available

Personal laundry done at no additional charge

Security provided 24 hours a day

Eligibility: Honorably discharged Veterans with no criminal record, having a medical need for nursing home placement. Arkansas residents have first priority. Veteran's Spouses and Gold Star parents may apply for admission.

State Veterans Cemetery: The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs operates two Veteran's cemeteries to commemorate the military service of our deceased Veterans. Located in North Little Rock and Birdeye. There is no cost for Veteran interment ($300 for Spouse or qualified dependent).Eligibility:

Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces:

Must be discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty.

Any Veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. With certain exceptions, service beginning after Sept. 7, 1980, as an enlisted person, and service after Oct. 16, 1981, as an officer, must be for a minimum 24 continuous months or the full period for which the person was called to active duty.

National Guardsman or Reservist:

Eligible for retirement pay at age 60; or

Members called to active duty for 2 years or more, (does not have to be consecutive) or completed the full period for which they were called up.

Members who die under honorable conditions or while hospitalized or undergoing treatment, at the expense of the United States, for injury or disease contracted or incurred while performing active duty for training.

Members who die under honorable conditions while performing full time AGR service.

Members who receive a Hardship Discharge while on active duty.

Members discharged due to a service-connected disability while on active duty.

Veteran's Dependents:

The Veteran's Spouse (Former Spouses whose marriage to an eligible Veteran and was terminated by divorce or annulment are not eligible for burial)

Unmarried Child, (under the age of 21or 23 if still enrolled in school); or